U.S. patent application number 12/017674 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for security display case.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMSTORE CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Douglas D. Amstutz, Edward J. Bacheller, Richard J. Yager.
Application Number | 20080174215 12/017674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39640556 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080174215 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amstutz; Douglas D. ; et
al. |
July 24, 2008 |
SECURITY DISPLAY CASE
Abstract
A security display case including an enclosure having a security
portion and a display portion, a platform moveable from the
security portion to the display portion, a security member that
secures the security portion, a gas spring that moves the platform
from the security portion to the display portion, and a stabilizing
assembly that stabilizes the moving platform. Optionally, the gas
spring is paired with another gas spring so that the lateral forces
of the springs are substantially cancelled, and the vertical forces
are combined to move the platform. The stabilizing assembly can be
a rack and pinion gear including at least two pinion gears engaged
by a common member which synchronizes rotation of the gears to
prevent binding of the platform as it is moved. The security member
can include doors that fold over the security portion and which are
engaged at their edges by a common locking member.
Inventors: |
Amstutz; Douglas D.;
(Muskegon, MI) ; Bacheller; Edward J.; (Muskegon,
MI) ; Yager; Richard J.; (Muskegon, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP
900 FIFTH THIRD CENTER, 111 LYON STREET, N.W.
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503-2487
US
|
Assignee: |
AMSTORE CORPORATION
Coopersville
MI
|
Family ID: |
39640556 |
Appl. No.: |
12/017674 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60885947 |
Jan 22, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05G 1/00 20130101; A47F
3/002 20130101; A47F 3/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/117 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/00 20060101
A47F003/00 |
Claims
1. A security display case comprising: an enclosure including a
security portion and a display portion, the display portion located
above the security portion, the display portion including at least
one transparent wall; a platform positioned within the enclosure,
the platform including an exposed surface configured to support
items thereon, a front, a rear, a first side and a second side, the
platform being moveable between the security portion and to a
position where the supported items are viewable in the display
portion, the platform being joined with at least two rotatable
gears; a security member selectively positionable between the
display portion and the security portion when the platform is
positioned in the security portion; a stabilizing mechanism
including at least two rack gears joined with the enclosure, the at
least two rack gears engaging the at least two rotatable gears
joined with the platform, the stabilizing mechanism further
including a synchronizing member joined with the at least two
rotatable gears, a first gas spring including a first end and a
second end, the first end pivotally joined with the platform, the
second end pivotally joined with the enclosure, the first gas
spring extendable from a retracted position, in which the first gas
spring is substantially horizontal, to an extended position, in
which the first gas spring is at an angle to horizontal; wherein
the first gas spring is actuatable by a user manually depressing
the platform, the first gas spring generating a force to raise the
platform from the security portion toward the display portion, the
first gas spring pivoting from substantially horizontal to an angle
relative to horizontal as it raises the platform, wherein the at
least two rotatable gears rotate and engage the corresponding at
least two rack gears as the first gas spring raises the platform,
wherein the synchronizing member synchronizes the rotation of the
at least two rotatable gears so that the stabilizing mechanism
prevents binding of the platform with the security portion as the
first gas spring raises the platform, whereby the platform is
raised in a substantially level manner.
2. The security display case of claim 1 comprising a second gas
spring including a third end and a fourth end, the third end
pivotally joined with the platform, the fourth end pivotally joined
with the enclosure, the second gas spring extendable from a
retracted position, in which the second gas spring is substantially
horizontal, to an extended position, in which the second gas spring
is at an angle to horizontal.
3. The security display case of claim 2 wherein the first gas
spring and the second gas spring are positioned in an opposing
relationship so that a first lateral force generated by the first
gas spring is substantially cancelled by a second lateral force
generated by the second gas spring as the first and second gas
springs cooperatively raise the platform from the security portion
to the display portion.
4. The security display case of claim 1 wherein the stabilizing
mechanism includes at least two pulleys, each joined with one of
the at least two rotatable gears, the synchronizing member engaging
each of the two pulleys.
5. The security display case of claim 4 wherein the synchronizing
member is a continuous belt looped around each of the two
pulleys.
6. The security display case of claim 1 wherein the stabilizing
mechanism includes at least four rack gears joined with the
enclosure, with at least two rack gears positioned adjacent the
first side of the platform, and at least two rack gears positioned
adjacent the second side of the platform, wherein each of the rack
gears engage a corresponding one of at least four rotatable gears
that are joined with the platform.
7. The security display case of claim 6 wherein at least two
rotatable gears are positioned adjacent the first side, and where
at least two other rotatable gears are positioned adjacent the
second side of the platform, each rotatable gear on the first side
connected with a corresponding rotatable gear on the second side by
an axle.
8. The security display case of claim 1 wherein the platform
includes a base, the base being located below the platform, wherein
the stabilizing mechanism and the first gas spring are secured
directly to the base.
9. The security display case of claim 1 wherein the security member
includes a door pivotally connected to the enclosure, the door
including a first side and a second side, the second side having a
mirror secured thereto, the door moveable between a closed position
in which the mirror is concealed, and an open position, in which
the mirror offers a second view of items positioned on the exposed
surface of the platform.
10. The security display case of claim 1 wherein the security
member includes a pair of opposing doors, each door pivotally
connected to the enclosure, each door including an opposing edge
which are located adjacent one another when the doors are in a
closed position to conceal the security portion.
11. The security display case of claim 10 comprising a locking
member, and wherein the enclosure defines an aperture that is
aligned with the opposing edges of the doors when the doors are in
the closed position, the locking member adapted to be positioned
through the aperture and to engage each of the opposing edges to
prevent the doors from being opened from the closed position.
12. The security display case of claim 11 wherein the locking
member is an elongate bar including opposing C-shaped channels,
each channel capturing one of the opposing edges of the doors when
the locking member is positioned through the aperture.
13. The security display case of claim 1 comprising a tension
member adjacent the synchronizing member, the tension member
including at least two members that engage and tension the
synchronizing member.
14. A security display case comprising: an enclosure including a
security portion and a display portion, a platform moveable from
the security portion toward the display portion; a security member
selectively positionable between the display portion and the
security portion so that the security portion is at least partially
concealed; a stabilizing mechanism including a rack and pinion gear
assembly joined with the security portion and the platform, the
rack and pinion gear assembly including at least two pinion gears
engaged by a common synchronizing member; a gas spring including a
first end and a second end, the first end pivotally joined with the
platform, the second end pivotally joined with the security
portion, the gas spring configured to generate a force to raise the
platform from the security portion toward the display portion, the
first gas spring pivoting from substantially horizontal to an angle
relative to horizontal as it raises the platform, wherein the
synchronizing member synchronizes rotation of the at least two
pinion gears to prevent binding of the platform with the security
portion as the gas spring raises the platform.
15. The security display case of claim 14 wherein the security
member includes two doors that fold inward toward one another to
close and conceal the security portion, each of the doors including
an opposing end, each opposing end being adjacent one another when
the doors are closed.
16. The security display case of claim 15 wherein the security
member includes a lock member and wherein the security portion
defines an aperture, the lock member adapted to slide through the
aperture and lock the opposing ends of the two doors.
17. The security display case of claim 16 wherein the lock member
is an elongate bar, and wherein the aperture is aligned with the
opposing ends of the two doors.
18. The security display case of claim 14 wherein the stabilizing
mechanism includes a second rack and pinion gear assembly, the
second rack and pinion gear assembly including at least two
additional pinion gears engaged by a second common synchronizing
member, each of the at least two pinion gears joined with a
respective one of the two additional pinion gears by an axle
spanning across a portion of the security portion.
19. A security display case comprising: an enclosure including a
security portion and a display portion, a platform moveable from
the security portion toward the display portion; a security member
selectively positionable between the display portion and the
security portion so that the security portion is at least partially
concealed; a stabilizing mechanism including a rack and pinion gear
assembly joined with the security portion and the platform, the
rack and pinion gear assembly including at least two pinion gears
engaged by a common synchronizing member; a pair of gas springs
joined with the platform and positioned in an opposing relationship
so that a first lateral force generated by one gas spring is
substantially cancelled by a second lateral force generated by the
other gas spring, but a first vertical force generated by the one
gas spring is combined with a second vertical force generated by
the other gas spring as the first and second gas springs
cooperatively raise the platform from the security portion toward
the display portion, wherein each of the pair of the gas springs
rotate from a substantially horizontal orientation to an angle
relative to horizontal as the gas springs raise the platform,
wherein the synchronizing member synchronizes rotation of the at
least two pinion gears to prevent binding of the platform with the
security portion as the gas springs raise the platform.
20. The security display case of claim 19 comprising a first latch
portion joined with the platform, and corresponding latch portion
joined with the enclosure, the first latch portion engaging the
corresponding latch portion to temporarily counter the first and
second vertical forces of the gas springs and hold the platform in
the security portion.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional
Application 60/885,947, filed Jan. 22, 2007, which is incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to display cases, and more
particularly, to display cases having a platform on which valuables
are supported, the platform being moveable between a display
position and a secure position.
[0003] A variety of display cases are used in the retail industry
to exhibit valuable items such as jewelry, electronic devices,
coins and antiques. Conventional display cases include a display
section encased with one or more glass windows to enable viewing of
the items displayed therein. As expected, these glass windows only
offer a low level of security because a criminal can easily break
the windows and steal the valuable items stored in the case.
Accordingly, many stores remove the valuable items from the display
case after store hours and secure those items in a safer device,
such as a locked safe. Of course, this relocation requires
additional time and labor, and thus increases cost. In addition,
with the routine movement of the valuable items, stores frequently
experience inventory loss and internal (employee) theft.
[0004] There have been several attempts to address the above
problems. One such attempt is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,770
to Canedy et al, in which a display case is provided with a
platform that supports valuable items. The platform is moved
vertically between a display section of the case and a secured,
lower section of the display case by a highly specific linear
actuator. This linear actuator is secured to the platform, produces
force to move the platform, and has a range of motion--from a
retracted position to an extended position--that is limited to a
single, unchanging straight line axis in either of two directions
(up or down). Canedy explains that its linear actuator is a powered
jack, a screw type actuator, a powered rack and pinion actuator, or
a chain and sprocket actuator, but excludes any type of actuator
that moves or extends in any manner off the straight line axis, for
example, a scissor lift mechanism, or any device that moves through
space under the platform both vertically and laterally. Canedy also
excludes any actuator that is connected at pivot points to the
platform, or that exerts lateral forces on the platform during
operation, claiming that this causes "binding" of the platform with
the sides of the display case.
[0005] Although previous display case constructions provide a way
to move a platform from a display section to a secured section of a
display case, they suffer a number of shortcomings. First,
conventional actuators require notable power--either manual or
electrical--to move the platform. This can increase power usage
within a store, or needlessly consume labor time while employees
move the platform. Second, previous constructions, such as that in
Canedy, can bind against the side walls of the case where the
platform is tightly fitted within the case and/or where the
platform is unevenly loaded. This can needlessly result in the
platform becoming lodged in one position, the powered actuator
overheating and failing, or increased wear on the actuator.
Further, where the platform is unevenly loaded, it can be prone to
teetering or movement even when in the display position simply by
someone bumping the display case. This can cause unintended
movement of items on the platform, which can require an employee to
re-orient those items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a security display case
including an enclosure having a security portion and a display
portion, a platform moveable from the security portion to the
display portion, a security member that secures the security
portion, at least one gas spring actuator that moves the platform
from the security portion to the display portion, and a stabilizing
assembly that stabilizes the platform.
[0007] In one embodiment, the gas spring actuator, also referred to
herein as a shock, can be pivotally joined with the platform and/or
the security portion. The gas spring can be configured to generate
a force to raise the platform from the security portion toward the
display portion. In so doing, the gas spring can pivot from
substantially horizontal to an angle relative to horizontal.
Optionally, the case can include a second gas spring that is
positioned in an opposing relationship to the first gas spring.
With this configuration, the lateral forces generated by the shocks
substantially can cancel one another out; however, the vertical
forces provided by the shocks can combine to quickly and
efficiently raise the platform from the security portion toward the
display portion.
[0008] In another embodiment, the stabilizing mechanism can include
a rack and pinion gear assembly, which is joined with the security
portion and the platform. The rack and pinion gear assembly can
include multiple pinion gears that engage the corresponding rack
gears. The pinion gears can be synchronized with one another in
several ways. In one, pinion gears on opposite sides of the
platform can be mounted on a common axle so that they rotate
simultaneously. In another, two or more pinion gears, for example,
on one side of the platform, can be connected via a synchronizing
member, for example, a belt, a web, a cord, a chain or a wire. The
belt can ensure that the pinion gears rotate synchronously. As a
result, the same side and an opposite side of the platform with
synchronized gears raises in a leveled manner, and is resistant to
tipping or teetering, which could upset or topple items placed on
the platform. Further optionally, the stabilizing mechanism can
include a tension member, which contacts the synchronizing member
and induces a tension in the synchronizing member so that it does
not slip relative to other components.
[0009] In a further embodiment, the security member can include two
or more opposing doors that fold inward toward one another to close
over the security portion. The doors can include edges that are
adjacent and face one another when the doors are closed.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, an aperture can be included in
the enclosure and/or security portion. This aperture can be aligned
with the edges of the doors. A locking member, such as a bar, can
be configured to slide through the aperture and engage each of the
door edges so that the doors remain in a locked position, or to
simply store the locking member when the platform is raised to the
display portion. Optionally, the platform of the case may include a
guide member, such as a bracket or a channel, to assist in
centering the locking member relative to the aperture and ease
insertion of the member into the aperture. Further optionally, the
guide member may include a ramped surface to further direct the
locking member toward the aperture.
[0011] In yet a further embodiment, the doors can include upper and
lower sides. The lower sides can include mirrors so that when the
doors are opened, the mirrors provide enhanced viewing of the
platform and any items thereon.
[0012] In another further embodiment, the doors can include
securing devices, such as magnets, which mate with corresponding
securing devices, such as metal pieces, which are joined with the
display portion to hold the doors in an open configuration.
Optionally, the securing devices can be included on the upper sides
of the doors.
[0013] In yet an even further embodiment, the security portion can
be a modular unit constructed of a theft-impeding material such as
steel or a tough plastic. This unit can house the platform,
security member, gas spring and stabilizing assembly. It also can
be configured to easily fit within a cabinet or enclosure shell
that includes a display portion having one or more windows. With
this modular construction, the unit can be joined with any
compatible cabinet or enclosure, thereby allowing the appearance of
the cabinet or enclosure to be updated or periodically
modified.
[0014] The present invention provides a simple and efficient
display case that is resistant to theft. With the gas spring
actuator, the platform can be easily raised and lowered. The
stabilizing mechanism reduces and/or eliminated platform teetering,
thereby preserving the position of items on the platform, as well
as preventing binding between the platform and the walls of the
security portion. In turn, this reduces wear on the actuator and
the display case. When utilized, the various security members and
locking members provide enhanced security for the display case.
[0015] These and other objects, advantages and features of the
invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by
reference to the detailed description of the invention and the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a security
display case having a platform positioned in a display portion of
the security display case;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the security display
case having the platform positioned in the display portion, with
the front portion of the case removed;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a broken perspective view of the security display
case having the platform in the display portion, and a portion of a
stabilizing mechanism exposed;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the security display
case having the platform positioned in the security portion, with
the front portion of the case removed, and doors of the case
closed;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the security display
case having the platform transitioning from the security portion to
the display portion, with the front portion of the case
removed;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a stabilizing mechanism of
the case, with a platform cover partially removed and the platform
in the display portion;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the stabilizing mechanism of
the case, with the platform in the display portion;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the underside of the
platform and a locking member guide bracket;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lock member partially
engaged with the security member of the display case;
[0025] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the lock member
platform fully engaged with the security member;
[0026] FIG. 11 is an end view of the lock member; and
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modular embodiment of the
display case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
I. Overview
[0028] A security display case in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and generally
designated 10. The security display generally includes an enclosure
20 having a security portion 30, a display portion 40, a platform
50 movable from the security portion to the display portion, and a
security member 60 that secures the security portion. At least one
gas spring actuator 70 moves the platform from the security portion
to the display portion. The case further includes a stabilizing
assembly or mechanism 80 that stabilizes the platform as it moves
between the security portion and the display portion.
[0029] In operation, a user manually presses the platform so that a
gas spring actuator is "reset" to an extension mode, which is
initiated by the manual engagement. In the extension mode, the gas
spring extends and simultaneously pivots relative to the platform
50 and the security portion 30, sweeping through part of the
security portion 30. During extension, the gas spring 70 moves from
a substantially horizontal position, in which the spring is
generally un-extended, to an angle relative to the horizontal, in
which the spring is generally extended. Where two gas spring
actuators are included in opposing relation, the lateral forces
generated by each spring are cancelled to a certain degree, and the
vertical forces are combined, to efficiently lift the platform 50
from the security portion 30 to the display portion 40. Further,
when the platform 50 is to be moved to the security portion 30, a
user simply presses down on the platform 50 to move it to the
security portion 30, at which point the gas springs achieve a
locked mode so that they do not generate enough force to raise the
platform 50. In addition, an optional latch can be included to
further secure the platform in the security portion.
II. Construction
[0030] The components of an embodiment the security display case 10
will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1-4.
As shown in FIG. 1, the display case enclosure 20 includes a
display portion 40 and a security portion 30 below the display
portion. There, the platform 50 is raised so that items thereon can
be viewed in the display portion 40.
[0031] The security portion 30 is defined by multiple
interconnected walls 31, 32, and 33. Another wall is usually
secured to the rear of the security portion 30 to fully enclose
that portion; however, as shown in multiple figures, that wall is
removed to more clearly show the internal components of the display
case 10. A floor 34 is located below the security portion 30. The
floor 34 can be mounted on a base or other structure as desired.
Although shown in a generally box-shaped form, the walls and floor
of the security portion can be configured in any desired geometric
construction, for example, a cylinder, a pyramid, a sphere or other
configuration as desired.
[0032] The walls 31-33 and floor 34, as well as the platform 50 can
be constructed from wood, wood laminate, wood composite, plastic,
fiberglass, metal or the combination of these materials as the
application requires. As further illustrated, the walls 31-33 and
floor 34 can include an outer panel 31A, 33A and a security liner
panel 31B, 33B. The outer panel 31B, 33B can be constructed from an
aesthetically appealing material, such as wood, plastic and the
like, while the liner panel 31A, 33A can be constructed from a
material, such as metal, composites, fiberglass and the like, that
is resistant or impervious to undesired tampering or attempts to
access the interior of the security portion without authorization.
Indeed, multiple liner panels can optionally be combined to
construct a modular security portion as described below in another
embodiment.
[0033] The display section 40 can include walls 41 and 43, which as
shown, can be continuations of the security portion walls 31 and
33, respectively. The display portion 40 also optionally includes
one or more panels 44, which further enclose that portion. These
panels can be transparent. This enables a customer to view items
displayed on the platform. In addition, the upper wall or top 45 of
the display portion 40 can be constructed of glass or other similar
transparent materials such as tempered or laminated glass or
plastic. The display section 40 can also include lighting
components (not shown) to illuminate the platform and provide
customers with a better view of items placed on the platform
50.
[0034] In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the rear portion of the
display section 40 can include access doors 47, which can include a
conventional lock 48 to provide security for items when the
platform is in a raised position as shown in FIG. 1. Although the
access doors are shown as sliding doors, they may be constructed in
any desired configuration, for example, they may be hinged to the
case 10, or may be completely removable as the application
requires.
[0035] The display case 10, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, can also include
an optional security member 60 selectively positionable between the
display portion 40 and security portion 30. This security member
can include doors 62, secured with hinges 62a to the case 10. The
doors 62 can be configured to fold downward over and partially or
wholly conceal the security portion 30, and thus any valuables on
the platform. Although shown folding in from the sides of the case,
the doors alternatively can be configured to fold in from the front
and/or back of the case, or any other portion of the case as the
application requires. Further, the security member need not include
folding doors, rather, the doors can slide over the security
portion 30, or can be substituted with a single door that simply
slides through a slot in the side of the enclosure (not shown) over
the security portion 30. Alternatively, the case can include a
tambour closure (not shown) as desired to secure the security
portion 30.
[0036] Returning to the security member 60 shown in FIGS. 2-4, the
undersides of the doors may include mirrors 63 to provide yet
another view of the items placed on the platform 50, and generally
provide the perception that the security portion is larger than it
really is. Further, the security member can include door dampening
springs 61, of the type that slows closure of the doors so that the
doors do not slam closed. These door dampening springs 61 can be
secured to the doors in any desired location. As shown, the door
dampening springs are located entirely above the doors 62, and
connected to a rear portion of the doors so that they retract to an
retracted state while the doors open, as shown in FIG. 2. The
dampening springs can also be located so that when the door attains
an open position, the door dampening spring is concealed in a
corner of the display section as shown in FIG. 3. Of course, the
door dampening spring can be replaced with any device that assists
in opening or closing the door, or can be absent from the security
member altogether.
[0037] The security member can also optionally include a
construction that holds the doors 62 in an open position. For
example, the security portion can include a magnet 65 positioned
adjacent an open door 62. The door 62 can include a metal component
that is attracted by the magnet 65 so as to hold the door open. The
magnet construction can be replaced with a latch, or any other
device desired to hold the doors 62 open. Of course, the gas
springs may be programmed so that they exert enough force to keep
the doors 62 open without any devices, or alternatively, the doors
may be configured to simple rest in an open configuration without
the need for additional devices.
[0038] The doors 62 can be constructed of any material such as
wood, metal, fiberglass and/or plastic. Optionally, they are
constructed from wood and metal to provide added security to the
contents stored in the security portion 30 of the display case.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the display case platform 50 is
selectively positionable in or adjacent the display portion 40
and/or the security portion 30. The platform 50 includes an upper
surface 51, a front 52, a rear 53, the first side 54 and a second
side 55. The upper surface 51 can be configured as a separate cover
as well (as further shown in FIG. 6), and this cover can be
configured to cover access holes 56 defined by the platform so that
assemblers can reach the display case components under the platform
50 for repair or maintenance. As shown further, the platform 50 is
sized so that the tolerances between the front rear, first side,
second side, and the respective walls of the security portion 30
are tight, and typically between about 1/32 of an inch and about
1/2 of an inch, although other tolerances may be chosen as the
application requires.
[0040] The platform 50 can optionally include a display rack 57.
This rack 57 can be configured to support additional shelves or
other support structures for merchandise on or above the platform.
Generally, the rack is dimensioned so that it fits cleanly under
the security member 60 when the platform is in the security portion
30.
[0041] The platform 50 also may include a latch system that secures
the platform in the security portion 30. As shown in FIGS. 4-5,
this latch system can include a first latch portion 91 joined with
the platform 50, and a corresponding latch portion 94 joined with
the floor 34 of the enclosure. The first latch portion 91 can
engage the corresponding latch portion 94 as shown in FIG. 4 to
temporarily counter the first and second vertical forces of the gas
springs and hold the platform in the security portion 30. The latch
system can be deactivated so that the platform can move by a user
depressing the platform 50. A variety of other latch and securing
mechanisms are suitable to secure the platform if desired.
[0042] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various positions of the platform
within the security case. For example, FIGS. 1-3 show the platform
50 in a raised position so that any items supported thereon are
visible in the display portion 40, particularly through the glass
panel 44. FIG. 3 illustrates the platform 50 in a lowered position,
within the security portion 30. FIG. 3 illustrates the platform 50
as it is transitioning from a lowermost position in the security
portion 30 toward the display portion 40, or vice versa.
[0043] The components of the display case 10 which provide the
force to raise and/or facilitate lowering of the platform 50 are
the gas spring actuators 70. Each gas spring actuator 70 can be a
conventional gas spring that provides controlled motion and force
for moving the platform 50. Such gas springs rely on fluid
dampening of a gas such as nitrogen in the cylinder. Such gas
springs may also include an amount of oil or other liquid in
addition to a gas which one selectively transferred between
internal chambers defined by the gas spring. A suitable gas spring
for use with the present display case is a Suspa Model C16-26067
gas spring available from Suspa, Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich. Other
types of gas or liquid springs or shocks that extend and/or retract
in a controlled manner may be used as desired.
[0044] Generally, each gas spring 70 can be set up as an extension
gas spring, wherein the shock absorption or dampening occurs in the
extension direction. When set up this way, the gas spring does not
catapult the platform 50 to the display section to encounter a
rapid deceleration, which could upset items placed on the platform.
Optionally, the gas spring 70 can be outfitted with an internal
valve or other adjustable configuration that enables a user to fine
tune the desired dampening, either continuously or in discrete
settings.
[0045] The gas springs also can be set so that they lock in place
when they are in an unextended state FIG. 4 and the platform 50 is
in the security portion 30 of the display case 10. To reset or
unlock the gas springs 70 so that they can extend, each gas spring
need only be lifted slightly, for example, by a user initially
lifting the platform 50 slightly with a small force. Alternatively,
to reset or unlock the gas springs for extension, the gas springs
70 can be depressed slightly. This can be achieved, for example, by
a user depressing the platform 50 downward a slight distance with
minimal force of about 1 to about 10 pounds of force. After such
lifting or depression, each gas spring 70 is unlocked and begins
its extension stroke, thereby moving the platform 50 up and toward
the display section 40. Optionally, the gas springs can be without
an internal locking mechanism. In such a construction, the platform
or enclosure can include an independent locking mechanism, such as
the latch noted above. Of course, the latch system can also be used
with gas springs having an internal locking mechanism as the
application requires.
[0046] Each gas spring 70, in particular, the first end 72 thereof,
can be non-rigidly secured to the platform 50 via a bracket 58 that
enables the gas spring to pivot relative to the bracket 58. As
shown in FIG. 8, this pivoting capability can be achieved with a
ball and socket connection. Other types of pivoting connections,
such as an axle fitted through a corresponding cylindrical bore, or
a cam like connection can be used as well. The second end 75 of the
gas spring 70 can be pivotally and non-rigidly secured to the
security portion 30, e.g., the floor 34, via another bracket 38 as
well. The brackets 38 and 58 can be fastened in a conventional
manner to the platform and/or the security portion or display case
as desired.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the gas springs 70 are configured in
directly opposing relationship when the platform 50 is at rest in
the security portion 30. There, the gas springs are in
substantially horizontal position in their unextended state.
Referring to FIG. 1, however, where the gas springs 70 are in their
extended mode, each gas spring is at an angle relative to
horizontal. Although the angle of the gas springs in their extended
state is shown at about 30 to about 50 degrees, it can vary
anywhere from about 10 to about 90 degrees depending on the
application.
[0048] As each gas spring 70 extends in the security portion 30
below the platform, each sweeps across and through a volume of the
portion. Therefore, it is suitable to place a gas spring 70 in a
location where it will not collide with or be hindered by items or
structures of the display case under the platform 50. As shown in
FIG. 4, the gas springs 70 can be located at the rear of the
display case 10, adjacent the rear wall so that the gas springs
only occupy and sweep through that rearmost portion of the security
portion. The gas springs 70 can occupy other portions of the
display case 10 under the platform 50, such as the middle of the
display case, so that the springs only occupy and sweep through the
middle of the security portion as desired. The springs can
alternatively or additionally be located in the front of the
display case as desired as well. Further, multiple pairs (not
shown) of gas springs can be included in the case to move the
platform, and, if desired, each spring can be offset a distance
(toward the front or back) from its opposing gas spring. Moreover,
the orientation of these gas springs optionally can be modified,
for example, the brackets 58 can be moved toward the sides of the
platform 50, and the brackets 38 can be moved toward the center of
the floor 34. Other configurations can be implemented as
desired.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 5, each gas spring 70 transfers
vertical forces A and B to raise the platform 50; however, each gas
spring also exerts a lateral force components, for example, forces
C and force D on the platform 50. Generally, these lateral forces
cancel one another to a certain degree, if not entirely in many
cases. Any residual lateral force exerted on the platform caused by
one lateral force being greater than the other, or by the forces
transferred through the pivot between the platform and spring, can
be controlled by the stabilizing mechanism 80 of the display case
10. In certain cases, without the stabilizing mechanism, the
platform can be prone to teetering or tilting, or otherwise
becoming unlevel and potentially disturbing any items positioned on
the surface 51 of the platform. With the stabilizing mechanism,
these effects can be minimized.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the stabilizing mechanism 80
generally can include an assembly having a rotatable gear coupled
to a rack gear, for example, a rack and pinion gear assembly. The
racks 82 can be secured to the walls 31 and 33 of the security
portion. Optionally, these racks can continue upward into the
display portion 40 as desired. The racks 82 can be secured with any
conventional fasteners such as screws, nails, rivets, glue and the
like.
[0051] Each of the racks are toothed to mesh with respective
rotatable pinion gears 84, 85. The pinion gears on the same side of
the platform, for example, the pinion gears 84 and 85 nearest the
wall 31, are synchronized so that they rotate at substantially the
same rate and assist in keeping the platform level as it is raised.
As an example, each pinion gear 84 and 85 is associated with a
corresponding pulley 86 and 87, and further joined with
corresponding axles 92 and 93, respectively. The pinion gear 84 and
pulley 86, as well as the pinion gear 85 and 87, can be
non-rotatable relative to one another. The pulleys 86 and 87 can be
joined by a synchronizing member 88. The pulleys and synchronizing
member can be smooth, or optionally textured to enhance engagement
between these components. For example, the pulleys can be toothed
to mesh specifically with the synchronizing member 88 and prevent
any slippage between the pulleys and the synchronizing member 88.
In this manner, the front and rear of the platform can be raised by
the actuators 70 and lowered in a substantially level manner.
Optionally, the synchronizing member is shown as a toothed belt,
but can be any other continuous loop member, such as a cord, a
rope, a web, a string, a wire and the like.
[0052] Optionally, the synchronizing member 88 can be placed under
tension by one or more tension members 95. These tension members
can be positioned adjacent the synchronizing member 88 as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. The tension member can include at least two members
97 that engage and tension the synchronizing member. These members
97 can be wheels mounted to a bracket 96. The wheels 97 themselves
can be mounted to a secondary bracket (not shown) that is moveable
relative to the bracket 96 and thus the platform to precisely
position the wheels relative to the synchronizing member 88 and
provide the desired amount of tension.
[0053] A second rack-in-pinion gear assembly, which generally
mirrors the assembly described immediately above and shown in FIGS.
6-7 can be positioned on the opposite side of the platform 50. The
second gear assembly can be joined with the first gear assembly on
the opposite side via the axle rods 93 and 92. In this manner, the
pinion gears in all four corners of the display case 10 can track
in their respective rack gears in a synchronized manner. With the
gear assemblies at opposite sides of the display case being
synchronized, the platform can further be controlled so that it
raises and lowers in a substantially level manner, and is resistant
to tipping. This further prevents collision or rubbing of the sides
or front or rear of the platform 50 with the walls of the security
portion 50. Accordingly, the stabilizing mechanism guides the
platform 50 in a substantially consistent manner so that the
platform maintains a predetermined level relative to horizontal and
distance between each of the respective walls of the security
portion and/or display case.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9-11, the display case 10 optionally
includes a security member 60 having doors 62 that lock in a closed
position with a locking member 68. In this optional construction,
the inward edges 64 of the doors 62 close in a manner so that they
are immediately adjacent one another in a central or other location
of the display case. The walls of the security portion 130, and
optionally, certain liner panels, can define apertures 14 and 15
that are generally aligned with the edges 64 of the door. The
locking member 68 can interact with the doors 62 to lock them in a
secured position. As illustrated in FIG. 11, this locking member 68
can include opposing channels 67 and 69 that are generally C-shaped
and open away from one another.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when inserted through the
apertures 14 or 15, the C-channels capture the edges 64 of the
respective folding doors 62 of the security member 60. Referring to
FIG. 13, the locking member can be of sufficient length so that
when it is inserted, it extends through both the aperture 14 and
opposite aperture 15 so that the doors 62 are resistant to prying.
Optionally, the locking member 68 can include a locking portion.
The locking portion can be outfitted with a lock 73 that locks the
locking 68 in place so that the doors remain secured.
[0056] A variety of other conventional locking devices can be used
to lock the doors 62. For example, one of the doors may include a
keyed mechanism that rotates a plate into a slot defined by the
other door (not shown), or, where the security member is a tambour
design (not shown), the end of the tambour may include a keyed
mechanism to hold that end in a fixed location (not shown) relative
to the case.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, the platform 50 can optionally
include a locking member guide bracket 99 which, when utilized with
the locking member 68, can provide additional safety features when
the platform 50 is in or adjacent the display portion 40 of the
case. For example, when the platform is in these positions, the
locking member guide bracket 99 can align with the apertures 14 and
15 in the sides of the security portion. Accordingly, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 8, the locking member 68 can be placed though each of
these apertures to secure the platform 50. Where the locking member
guide bracket 99 includes a centering ramp or surface 98, which can
be an inclined or curved surface, that centering ramp assists in
quickly and automatically aligning the locking member 68 with the
aperture 14 in the security case. Incidentally, the above
construction also provides a storage location for the locking
member 68 when it is not being used as part of the security member
60 to secure the doors 62 in a closed position as described
above.
[0058] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 12, the security
display case 110 can be of a modular construction. There, a modular
security liner case 120, which can include all of the working
components described above, for example, the security member,
platform, stabilizing mechanism, and the like, is configured to fit
within a display case or cabinet 130 that has a decorative exterior
surface and also includes a display portion 140. When fitted within
the cabinet 130, the security case 120 operates identically to the
embodiments described above to raise and lower a platform from a
security portion within the modular security liner case to a
location where items on the platform are viewable through the
display case 130. With this added modularity, the same security
case 120 can be used in a variety of different cabinets.
Accordingly, the cabinets can be modified or updated. A substantial
savings can be realized by removing the modular security case 120
from an old cabinet 130 as shown in FIG. 12 and moving the case to
a new or updated cabinet. Finally, although shown as being
removable from a side of the display case 130, the display case can
be constructed so that the modular security case 120 is removed
from the top of the display case. Additionally, the upper walls of
the display portion can be removable to facilitate removal of the
modular security case 120.
[0059] The above descriptions are those of the preferred
embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can
be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of
the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be
interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law
including the doctrine of equivalents. Any references to claim
elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a,"
"an," "the," or "said," is not to be construed as limiting the
element to the singular.
* * * * *